Question

Discuss at least 3 evidence-based strategies the nurse can incorporate into the patient care plan to improve the nutritional status for HIV/Cancer patients. Use evidence from one scholarly source other than your textbook or ATI book to support your answer. Use APA Style to cite your source. TYPE Please

Answer 1

AN ARTICLE NAMED LIVING WITH HIV

US DEPARTMENT OF VETERAN AFFAIRS

Strategies to improve the nutrional status for HIV patients

Human Immuno Defficiency Virus(HIV)

Approximately 36 million persons are leaving with HIV or AIDS world wide. Acquired immuno deficiency syndrome or AIDS is a disease caused by retro virus known as the Human Immuno Defficiency Virus(HIV), which attacks and impairs the body's natural defense system against disease and infection. HIV is a slow acting virus that may take years to produce illness in a person.

Diet , Nutrition and HIV

Nutrition is important for everyone because food gives our bodies the nutrients they need to stay healthy, grow, and work properly. There are no special diets or particular foods that will directly boost your immune system. But there are things can be done to keep your immunity up. HIV will reduce your immunity and it has to work very hard to fight off infections and it takes energy.

If you are underwieght you should include more protein and calories in diet. Weight loss can be a common problem for people having HIV infection. It usually improves with effective anti retro viral therapy(ART).

Strategies:

Evidence based strategies a nurse can incoporate into the patient's care plan to improve the nutritional status for HIV patients are:

1.Adding protein to diet.

Protein rich food include meat, fish, beans, diary products, and nuts.

* Spread nut butter on toast, crackers, fruit or vegetables.

*Add cottage cheese to fruit and tomatoes.

*Add canned tuna to salads.

*Add yogurt with cereal or fruits.

*Add hard boiled eggs in salads

*Add beans and legumes other nuts and seeds.

*Add diced or choked meals to soups.

* Include dried milk powder and egg white in the diet.

2.Adding calories to diet

The best way to increase calories is add extra fat and carbohydrates into the meals.

* Fats include butter sour cream, cream cheese, peanut butter avocados, olives etc.

Carbohydrates include both starches and simple sugars.

*Starches are in breads, muffins, biscuits, crackers, pasta, potatoes, rice, oat meal and cold cereals.

Simple sugars are in fresh or dried fruits jelly, honey, maple syrup.

3.Maintaining appetite

When patients become ill they often lose appetite. This leads to wheight loss. To increase appetite.

*Make them walk or do yoga.

*Give smaller meals more often.

*Give food when his/ her appetite is good.

*Avoid them giving too much water right before or after meals.

*Avoid giving carbonated foods and drinks.

*choose their favorite foods and make meals attractive.

4.Adding more amount of water in the diet

Fluid helps to transport the nutrients throughout the body.

Extra water can:

*Reduce side effects of medications.

*Help to avoid dehydration, dry mouth and constipation.

*Make themfeel less tired.

Tips done to get extra fluid

* Make them drink more amount of water than usual.

*Give another fluids like non caffeinated teas, flavoured waters, or fruit juice mixed with water.

*Avoid colas, coffee, tea and cocoa.

*Avoid alcohol.

5.Adding supplements to diet

Body needs vitamins and minerals in small amounts. People with HIV may need extra vitamins and minerals to help ,repair and heal cells that have been damaged. Adding extra vitamin and minerals rather than from food is necessary for HIV patients. Do not provide vitamin pills on empty stomach is a point to ponder in such a situation.

6.Ensure food safety

*Keep everything clean, the counters and utensils often.

*Handwashing is important before and after preparing and eating food.

*Check expiration date on food packages.

*Rinse all fruits and vegetables with clean water.

*Do not give raw, soft boiled or over easy eggs.

*Make sure fish, meat and poultry are cooked well.

*Check the quality of public water supply or give botteled water.